Industry Watch – February 2015

A listing of the latest association, company and hiring news in the car care industry.

Company News

Mister Car Wash chain acquires new sites

TUCSON, Ariz. — Mister Car Wash has added two Travel Clean locations to its business in Utah, according to a press release.

The acquisition brings its total number of carwashes to 136 across 14 states. Mister Car Wash operates 10 washes and one lube center in the Salt Lake City area.

“2014 has been an exciting year for our company, and all of us at Mister Car Wash are delighted to have the opportunity to further expand our service area in Salt Lake City with these two new locations,” shares Mister Car Wash CEO John Lai, in the release.

“We work hard to create environments in which all our people can reach their full potential and with 250 employees now living in the greater Salt Lake area, I know we will be able to brighten a lot of lives,” Lai continues, in the release.

Mister Car Wash has nearly 5,000 employees and services more than 16 million vehicles every year.

Charity campaign aims to clothe homeless

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Camel Express Car Wash will provide T-shirts to the homeless community as part of a 12-week campaign, according to a press release.

The company will sell its limited edition ‘70s-themed logo T-shirt on its website. Camel Express will match every shirt sold with a donation of a shirt to a homeless individual.

According to the release, Camel Express will partner with The Contributor, an organization that helps those in need earn money by selling its publication, to make the donations.

Shirts can be purchased for $23 through the carwash’s website.

Camel Express will hold its grand opening April 1. It plans to be the longest tunnel carwash in Nashville with a 130-foot tunnel.

SONNY’S supports children in need for holidays

TAMARAC, Fla. — SONNY’S The CarWash Factory supported its local Kids in Distress (KID) Angel Tree program this holiday season, according to a press release.

SONNY’S corporate staff donated an unwrapped gift to children in need.

“We remain mindful of those in need, especially children during the holiday season. We are glad and very grateful to be able to contribute to this very worthy cause,” says SONNY’S The CarWash Factory CEO Paul Fazio, in the release.

KID’s mission is to prevent child abuse, preserve the family and treat children who have been abused and neglected.

“We are so grateful for the contribution and the difference SONNY’S The CarWash Factory has made. Thanks for sticking with KIDs again this year. On behalf of our children, we wanted to thank you!” shares KID Development Officer Uli Schackmann, in the release.

Customers support pediatric cancer charity

BUFFALO, N.Y. — The customers of Joe Kennedy’s Auto Beauty Center donated $500 to Carly’s Club through a December fundraiser, according to owner Joe Kennedy.

Carly’s Club is a nonprofit organization that works with families who have children with pediatric cancer, says Kennedy.

The business chose Carly’s Club because Kennedy’s granddaughter has leukemia, states Kennedy.

According to its website, the nonprofit provides numerous services to families including counseling, caregiver support programs, therapeutic play programs, patient “comfort bags” and more.

Association News

IDA names new president-elect

COLUMBIA, Md. — The International Detailing Association (IDA) has chosen Robert Schruefer, founder of On the Spot Detailing is its president-elect, according to a press release.

Schruefer will be formally installed as president during the organization’s annual meeting in Orlando Jan. 17.

“I am looking forward to helping push the detailing industry forward in all aspects of business development,” he states in the release. “There are many well-trained, technology-driven, precision-oriented detailers and paint correction specialists out there who can turn the paint on an old jalopy into a showroom prize.”

Schruefer has served as vice president over the past year. In the release, he says his first order of business will be to create “business development committees to help part-time detailers and start-ups take the proper steps towards becoming legitimate, profitable fulltime professional detailing businesses.”

The IDA Nominating Committee presented Schruefer for the position, and the membership elected him.

Since 2004 Schruefer has grown On the Spot Detailing to employ more than 30 workers. He also operates several mobile detailing units.

People News

Core-Mark announces executive leadership changes

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Core-Mark Holding Company Inc., a marketer of fresh and broad-line supply solutions to the convenience retail industry in North America, has made changes to its executive management staff, according to a press release.

Chris Hobson, senior vice president of marketing, will become senior vice president of sales and marketing. Hobson joined the company in 2000 as general sales manager, and he has held several roles since then.

Hobson will oversee all aspects of the company’s sales in the new position.

Scott McPherson, senior vice president of corporate development, will assume the new position of senior vice president of business operations and strategic opportunities. McPherson has been with Core-Mark since 1992.

McPherson “will be responsible for the oversight of teams that play an integral role in marshaling appropriate resources in the context of integrating new customers, new technology, new acquisitions and new buildings,” reports the release.

Technical representative joins Diamond Chemical staff

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Diamond Chemical Company Inc. has hired Robert O’Donnell as technical representative for its Institutional Group, according to a press release.

O’Donnell has 13 years of experience in sales, service and sales management for warewash and on-premise laundries.

The new hire is also a chef and possesses firsthand knowledge of the restaurant, banquet and catering businesses.

Representative joins detergent company

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — CRYSTAL CARE™, A Division of CC Detergents LLC, has added Jefreey Valdez as sales and technical representative, according to a press release.

Valdez will head sales and service in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Philadelphia carwash and vehicle maintenance industries.

Valdez brings more than 13 years of experience to his new position. He understands chemical dilution systems and how to meet the changing needs of the carwash industry.